St. Peter's Park in the city's South Ward has been remodeled, and its recreation center renamed after Newark native and MLB coach Bo Porter.
NEWARK -- A South Ward park has a whole new look, and a new inspiration for the hundreds of kids who have already started playing in it.
City officials gathered Thursday to reopen St. Peter's Park on Lyon's Avenue, which has undergone a host of renovations over the past several months. The park now includes new landscaping, outdoor murals, a renovated outdoor pool, and an underground water sprinkler, city officials said.
According to Neighborhood and Recreational Services Director Patrick Council, work began in April, and will potentially serve as a start to other park renovations around the city.
"We are continuously looking to create...good recreational opportunities in the city," he said.
Council did not have a final cost for the park's renovations Thursday.
The newly renovated recreation center at the park was also renamed Thursday in honor of Newark native Bo Porter, a major league baseball player and manager. Officials honored Porter, who played for the Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, and Texas Rangers. He has coached the Arizona Diamondbacks and Washington Nationals, and served as the Houston Astros' manager from 2013 through 2014. He is now on the coaching staff of the Atlanta Braves.
The renaming, Council said, was meant to "celebrate (Porter's) legacy and contributions as a role model to the citizens of Newark."
Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.